The Indian Premier League 2025 is set to kick off with an electrifying clash as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
With two powerhouse teams facing off, fantasy cricket enthusiasts will have a tough task selecting the perfect Dream 11 team for this high-stakes opener.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best fantasy team combinations, key player picks, captain and vice-captain choices, and match predictions to help you build a winning squad for KKR vs RCB in IPL 2025.
KKR vs RCB – Match Details
Here’s a detailed look at the match schedule and timings:
| Match 1 | KKR vs RCB |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Date | Saturday, March 22 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM (IST) |
Pitch Report KKR vs RCB
Here’s an overview of the pitch conditions and match environment for this clash:
| Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
| Highest IPL Score | 262 |
| Best Suited for | Spin Bowling |
| Winning Percentage | 55% (Chasing team) |
KKR vs RCB Fantasy Predicted 11
Here’s the best Dream11 fantasy team you can build from both squads, along with key insights on why each player is a valuable pick:
| Position | Player | Team | Team Role | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain (C) | Andre Russell | KKR | All-rounder | Can deliver strong performances with both bat and ball |
| Vice Captain (VC) | Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter | Top run-scorer in IPL history |
| Wicketkeeper 1 | Phil Salt | RCB | WK | Impactful opening batter |
| Batter 1 | Rinku Singh | KKR | Batter | Consistent run-scorer in middle order |
| Batter 2 | Tristan Stubbs | DC | Batter | Promising batter and aggressive |
| All-rounder 1 | Sunil Narine | KKR | All-rounder | Experienced All-rounder |
| All-rounder 2 | Krunal Pandya | RCB | All-rounder | Handy with both bat and ball |
| Bowler 1 | Bhuvaneshwar Kumar | RCB | Bowler | Experienced and 2 time IPL leading wicket taker |
| Bowler 2 | Varun Chakravarthy | KKR | Bowler | Consistent spin bowler |
| Bowler 3 | Harshit Rana | KKR | Bowler | Promising seam bowler |
| Bowler 4 | Josh Hazelwood | RCB | Bowler | Experienced seam bowler |
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted 11
If they Bat first:
- Sunil Narine
- Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Anukul Roy
- Harshit Rana
- Anrich Nortje
- Varun Chakaravarthy
If they Bowl first:
- Sunil Narine
- Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Anukul Roy
- Harshit Rana
- Anrich Nortje
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Vaibhav Arora
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted 11
If they Bat first:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Liam Livingstone
- Krunal Pandya
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Swapnil Singh
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
If they Bowl first:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar
- Liam Livingstone
- Krunal Pandya
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Swapnil Singh
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
Note: These are the predicted team lineups for both teams. As official lineups are shared for both teams, please adjust your teams accordingly for better results.
Head To Head Stats – KKR vs RCB
Here is a quick look at the overall stats from their head-to-head matches:
| Total Matches Played | 34 |
| KKR wins | 20 |
| RCB Wins | 14 |
| No Result | 0 |
Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced each other 34 times in the history of the Indian Premier League. KKR has the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 20 matches, while RCB has secured 14 victories.
The contests between these two sides have often been thrilling, with KKR’s strong bowling unit and RCB’s powerhouse batting making for exciting matchups.
While KKR holds a better record overall, RCB will be eager to close the gap when they face off in IPL 2025. With both teams making key additions, another intense battle awaits at Eden Gardens.
Recent Matches:
21 April 2024 -KKR won by 1 run
29 March 2024 – KKR won by 7 wickets
KKR And RCB Squads For IPL 2025
Both Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have undergone significant changes ahead of the IPL 2025 season, with new captains at the helm and key squad reinforcements after the IPL Mega Auction.
KKR has added experienced South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, bringing explosive firepower to their top order while enhancing their batting depth.
On the other hand, RCB has bolstered its lineup with the addition of seasoned Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Virat Kohli continues to be the backbone of the team.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Batters – Rinku Singh, Ajinkya Rahane (C, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey
Fast-bowling all-rounders – Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh
Spin-bowling all-rounders – Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali
Wicketkeepers – Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Luvnith Sisodia
Pacers – Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik
Spinners – Varun Chakaravarthy, Mayank Markande
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Batters – Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara, Tim David
Fast-bowling all-rounders – Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage
Spin-bowling all-rounders – Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh
Wicketkeepers – Jitesh Sharma, Phil Salt
Pacers – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh
Spinners – Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee
Top Picks For Dream 11 Squad
1. Andre Russel (KKR)
Andre Russell, known for his explosive power-hitting and ability to make an impact with the ball, is a must-have in your fantasy team. His all-round skills can earn crucial points, especially in pressure situations.
2. Sunil Narine (KKR)
With his promotion to the top order, Sunil Narine has been delivering quick runs while maintaining his trademark economy with the ball. His dual impact makes him a valuable fantasy pick, and he’s a strong contender for the Captain or Vice-Captain role in your team.
3. Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
Currently in top form, Varun Chakravarthy is a spinner who can make a significant impact. His ability to deceive batters with his variations makes him a crucial pick for your Dream11 fantasy team. Given his current form, he is likely to fetch valuable points for fantasy users.
4. Virat Kohli (RCB)
The Indian superstar remains an automatic and essential pick for any Dream11 fantasy squad. His match-winning ability and game-changing performances make him a key asset for fantasy team success.
5. Tim David (RCB)
Tim David thrives in the T20 finishing role, showcasing his ability to take on any bowler with aggressive and powerful hitting. His explosive batting makes him a game-changer in the death overs, capable of shifting momentum and securing crucial fantasy points.
6. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar (RCB)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a smart choice for fantasy users, delivering valuable points with his wicket-taking ability with the new ball. His knack for striking early and providing crucial breakthroughs makes him a key asset in any Dream11 lineup.
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Conclusion: Create A Winning Dream11 Team for KKR vs RCB With These Top Selections
To excel in KKR vs RCB Dream11, a strategic approach is crucial. Consider player form, match conditions, and team dynamics when selecting your fantasy squad.
With players like Virat Kohli bringing stability, Andre Russell adding firepower, and Varun Chakravarthy contributing with his spin, balanced selections can lead to success.
Stay updated on player performances and make smart choices to maximize your points. A well-thought-out strategy is essential for fantasy cricket success in this high-stakes clash.
